Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Transportation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Superintendent outlines grant‑funded LP bus plan, fueling arrangement and CTE expansion
Summary
Superintendent told the board the district has preliminary quotes for a propane (LP) bus, Ferrellgas offered to install a fueling station free of charge, and the district plans to pursue CTE and youth apprenticeship expansion tied to Perkins funding; a preliminary contract will be reviewed at committee and an April 1 tariff could raise costs by roughly $7,000–$10,000.
Superintendent (S4) briefed the Solon Springs School District board on a planned purchase of an LP (propane) bus that would feature under‑floor storage, lower operational costs, and a potential agreement to use the vehicle for charter activities and extracurricular transportation.
The superintendent said Ferrellgas has offered to install a fueling station at no charge to the district, which would allow trained bus drivers to fuel the vehicle. He warned that tariff changes effective April 1 could increase the bus price by about $7,000–$10,000, and said a preliminary contract will be presented to the committee‑of‑the‑whole for consideration.
On academic programs, the superintendent described the district's work to implement an equitable multi‑tiered level system of supports (EMLSS) to guide interventions and special‑education referrals and outlined plans to expand career and technical education (CTE) offerings tied to Perkins grant funding. He noted early planning to partner with Northwood Tech for metals, welding, woodworking, CNC and drafting, and said Olivia Dashel from CESA 12 will help bolster youth apprenticeship participation to increase student opportunities and related funding.
The superintendent said some CTE equipment and robotics materials are outdated, that a prior grant attempt was unsuccessful, and that the district will continue pursuing funding avenues. He also summarized federal funding streams (IDEA, Title I, Perkins) and encouraged continued communication with congressional offices about broader policy decisions that affect those funds.
Next steps: superintendent will bring a preliminary bus contract to committee; the board will consider the purchase and related fueling agreement with vendor and charter board partners.
